In 2023, he completed an internship at MedWish Medworks (known at the time as MedWish International) during his high school sophomore year at Hawkin. Working directly with the International Aid Program Coordinator, Jacob Dzierwa, Ryan gained hands-on experience that now—two years later, as a college sophomore—helps him stand out while networking at career fairs.

MedWish Medworks hosted its annual vision clinic on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute. More than 125 patients received 268 services, including vision exams, technician visits (testing of eye pressure, motility, and visual acuity), glasses, and flu vaccines. All services were provided free of charge.

Hypertension, often called the “silent killer,” is one of the most widespread and undertreated health conditions in the world. The World Health Organization estimates that only 1 in 5 adults with hypertension globally have their blood pressure under control. In the United States, nearly half of adults meet the definition of hypertension, but only about 1 in 4 have it well managed.

MedBash 2025 lit up Globe Iron on October 25 with energy, rock and roll vibes, and a shared spirit of giving. More than 250 guests, volunteers, sponsors, and friends of MedWish Medworks came together for an evening that perfectly blended celebration and purpose.

The Kayla Nicole Schwartz Award is given to a young person who exemplifies the spirit of Kayla, a dedicated MedWish volunteer who loved going on medical brigades to provide healthcare to those in need. The KK Free Spirit Fund was established in memory of Kayla by her family after she died in Mexico in 2017. Proceeds from the fund support international shipments of medical supplies and equipment and sponsor a medical brigade trip for the winner of the Kayla Nicole Schwartz Award.

This may come as a surprise, but the most requested items from our 300+ local partners isn't wheelchairs or canes or walkers. It's hygiene products!

People who receive SNAP benefits cannot purchase non-food items like cleaning and hygiene products with their cards, so the demand for these items is pretty constant. Some are going to nonprofits who are supporting  the needs in their neighborhoods, but recently most went to community back-to-school events, where they were put into backpacks given to students.

Do you ever wonder what happens to the unused/rescued medical supplies donated to MedWish Medworks? Most - roughly 60% - are packed up in large shipping containers, boxes, or suitcases and sent abroad. The rest are distributed through our 300+ nonprofit partners to benefit residents in our own community.

Kelly faced a life-changing medical crisis in 2023, when a wellness check found her unresponsive on the floor of her home. Her sister, living in Ohio, flew down to Georgia immediately after hearing the news. Kelly was later diagnosed with Rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition where skeletal muscle tissue breaks down, often leading to kidney failure and other serious complications. After a long hospital stay and a gradual recovery, Kelly’s sister was finally able to bring her to Ohio to provide ongoing care.

As an electrical engineer, Jane Smith designed microchips for different products and industries. Some chips were used in manufacturing automation, communication devices and wireless networks.

Jane got involved in volunteering with Medworks through her friend and co-worker Donna Kramer, whom Jane calls a “super” volunteer. Jane started volunteering at clinics doing non-medical tasks 12 years ago.

In partnership with the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), the Charitable Healthcare Network (CHN) is pleased to announce Donna Kramer as the 2024 Free Clinic Volunteer of the Year award winner. Kramer is a dedicated volunteer for MedWish Medworks, contributing her time, expertise and boundless energy to improving the lives of underserved individuals throughout Cleveland, Ohio.

We are thrilled to announce that Medworks and MedWish have officially merged! As MedWish Medworks, we will create an even stronger impact in Cleveland, Northeast Ohio, and around the world. Together, we will be greater than the sum of our parts. In fact, we are confident that 1+1 = 3!